Scammers don’t take holidays, and the most recent targets in the area are individuals who may have been jailed, released on probation, or out on parole.

“These living, breathing, parasitic vermin that are scamming money are at it again,” said Lawrence County Sheriff Ryan Everett. “They’re impersonating law enforcement from a number that appears to be local, but is generated by an app. They demand money or threaten to jail the targeted individual.”

But Everett stressed law enforcement will never contact anyone to request money for a fine or court assessment. In addition, law enforcement would not request funds through cash apps or other forms of wireless currency transactions.

“By law, it has to be receipted, or The Office of the State Auditor will have a field day,” Everett said. “Do not fall victim to these predators.”

People who know they owe money — an outstanding fine or court assessment — should check with the appropriate courts to handle it appropriately, the sheriff said.

“So in the event you do get a call, you don’t fall victim to the same scam.”